Austin Waterways Reopen Safely | Texas News

Texas News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Jul 27, 2026 · 1m

Austin’s waterways are officially back open after a safety shutdown — Lady Bird Lake and the Colorado River south of Longhorn Dam are now accessible for kayaking, jet skiing, and paddleboarding. The ban, initially triggered by dangerous floodgate activity and unsafe water conditions following heavy rain, has been lifted as flows stabilize and safety concerns ease. While the city encourages everyone to enjoy the return to normalcy, it’s still reminding folks to stay cautious — bacteria levels can take up to three days to normalize after flooding. For locals and tour operators alike, this is a…